To Have & To Hold

Hello everyone,

One of my husband's young colleagues is getting married next weekend so a card was needed. I didn't want to do something really traditional so I thought outside the box. I used Friday's Get Sketchy Card Challenge as a jumping off point. Today's Just Us Girls challenge was a wedding card and the One Stop Craft Challenge was looking for texture. For good measure, this week's Paper Play Challenge was 'anything goes'. How could I go wrong?

The background paper, textured with Sizzix Pattern 1, was part of the stash I got at the crop I attended last May. The patterned layer is affixed to a piece of Stampin' Up Shimmery White. The ribbon is Sheer Creations from Michael's. The sentiment, stamped on another piece of Shimmery White, is American Crafts Wedding. The embellishments are Crafts from the dollar store. The entire card was Vanilla Smooch Spritzed.

This is not quite what I pictured in my mind. I don't hate this card but it isn't a favourite. I love the colours together but I don't think it is enough of a wedding card for me. That being said, I suspect my husband's colleague will love it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Played Kindness

Hello everyone,

I've a quick and easy card for you tonight based on this week's Play Date Cafe colour splash challenge of black and white with a splash of green. I used a flubbed card from yesterday's One Layer Wednesday challenge.
The card base is Stampin' Up Whisper White. The black layer is Quickutz Manhatten Quickstripz. The printed paper is Colorbök paper pad layered on a scrap from the leftover bin. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Whimsical Words stamped on a scrap of Whisper White and layered on another piece of scrap green. The ribbon is Offray Black Microcheck.
I think this is a lovely little card. It was quick and easy to pull together, helped by this printed paper that I found in the freebie bin at the crop I attended in May. What a great find that was. I have to say, I really enjoyed making the 4.25" square cards more than I thought. Just goes to show it's good to change things up every once in a while.
I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.
Gisèle

One Layer Birthday

Hello everyone,

Yesterday's One Layer Wednesday challenge was to make a square card and use an outline stamp. I love making this type of card and though I usually use pre-made card bases, I felt making an exception was worth it.

The card base is Stampin' Up Whisper White. The image is from Magenta, coloured with Tombow markers. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Vintage Labels.

I love everything about this card. The image, the colours, the simplicity and elegance. Perfect!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

ABC Ornament

Hello everyone,

I realize it is really early for Christmas cards but seriously, if you make Christmas cards, you have to start early. Though I really love making Christmas cards, I've not really been in that Christmas card making mood. That being said, there are challenges out there that really inspire me. The current ABC Christmas Challenge is O is for Ornaments and, next to holly, I love crafting all things ornament-related.

The background paper is atd Under The Tree. The red layer is of unknown origin from the scrap bin and is textured with the Sizzix Ornaments plate and highlighted with Tattered Angels Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist. The remaining paper is Stampin' Up Tempting Turquoise and Whisper White. The image is Inkadinkado Holiday Silhouettes stamped in Color Box gold then heat embossed with Stampin' Up clear embossing powder. The sentiment is Impression Obsession Christmas Sentiments. The embellishments are Hero Arts Metallic Decor.

I really like this ornament card. The colours are lovely with the Tempting Turquoise adding just that non-traditional splash of colour. I love the image. This Inkadinkado set is really compelling given all the tiny images incorporated within the overall image. I suspect you'll see many of these images as I get into the swing of Christmas cards.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Challenged Thank You

Hello everyone,

Today's card is out of my comfort zone and as much as I've played with this card, I've still no confidence in it. Saturday's I{heart}2 Stamp Sketch For You To Try was really appealing this week so I wanted to use it. I thought the colours in this week's Curtain Call Color Challenge, Basic Black, Whisper White, Kiwi Kiss, Tempting Turquoise and Real Red were ones I could work with. Monday's Shabby Tea Room offered up a recipe challenge to use one ribbon, two buttons and three die cuts or punches.

The white card base is from Recollections. The remaining papers are as required Stampin' Up - Basic Black, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red and Old Olive (Urban Oasis). The buttons are Karen Foster Pacific button brads. The Tempting Turquoise layer is a Sizzix Top Note die cut in half. The focal image is BossKut Petite Flowers die and Sizzix Little Leaves Sizzlit die. The flowers are highlighted with Black Soot Stickles. The ribbon is Michael's Special Value. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Short and Sweet.

I think it is the colour combination that throws me off. Trying to amalgamate so many colours with specific elements isn't easy and I think it is apparent in the final card. I don't hate this card but it isn't a favourite.

I do hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Bright Birthday

Hello everyone,

Would you believe that five challenges inspired today's card. Saturday's Crazy 4 Challenges provided an inspiration photo which was paired with this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch. July's SmART-Word Challenge was BRIGHT. Today's Practical Scrappers challenge was to use seven or more elements on your project. Finally, today's Oh-La-La Creations Challenge was to create a birthday card. I don't usually use this many challenges on one card but it was really fun to bring it all together.

The background papers are Autumn Leaves Fashionfolio (1). The striped layer was textured with Sizzix Large Dots (2). The polka dot strip is DCWV Nana's Kids (3). The remaining paper is Stampin' Up Basic Black (4) and Whisper White (5). The Spellbinders Ribbon Tag Trio die (6)was used to cut the black element. The sentiment is Sweet 'n Sassy Birthday Greetings (7). The embellishments are Close To My Heart Sparkles (8). The entire card is highlighted with Star Dust Stickles (9).

I just love this card. I love the colours and the sparkles. It is a youthful and fun card, perfect for a young girl. Maybe I should see if I can do the same with a boys card. That'll take some thought.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Romantically Inclined

Hello everyone,

My last few cards have been what I regard as romantic. Today's card is no exception, even though I used some new supplies that I've been meaning to explore. I thought the card would be, somehow, different but it isn't. I based the card on Saturday's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge because I found it too appealing to resist.

The background layers are Stampin' Up textured Soft Suede and BasicGrey Wisteria. The image is Inkadinkado Mindscapes stamped on Stampin' Up Very Vanilla and layered on Perfect Plum. I stamped the image first in VersaMark then in Perfect Plum before heat embossing with clear embossing powder. The sentiment is Gina K Tag, You're It. The ribbon is Michael's Special Value. The embellishments are from Multicrafts.

I just love this card. It's soft and worn, like a well-worn, favourite cotton dress from the 1950s. I just had to buy this Inkadinkado set when I laid eyes upon it because it is so intricate it boggles my mind. Can you SPI the fairy? I also have to say that I think Soft Suede has become my new favourite neutral. I've found that instead of using black ink, the Soft Suede works beautifully. I can't go on about the BasicGrey paper too much because I just love it so!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Yet Another Clean & Simple Birthday

Hello everyone,

I couldn't resist attempting to use yesterday's 100th Clean & Simple Stamping sketch for today's card. It took me three attempts before I found something I was thrilled with.

The card base is from Recollections. The images are Inkadinkado Delicate Branches and Stampin' Up Itty Bitty Buds. The sentiment is Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages. The embellishments are Hero Arts pearls.

I wish I had a better photo but my camera just hates all that clean space. None-the-less, I really love this card. It is soft, sweet and romantic and I can't wait to give it away. I can't say enough about the Hero Arts pearls which really make this card what I envisioned in my mind.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

For You

Hello everyone,

I was totally inspired by today's Res-Q-Challenge which is 'glass'. This was the perfect excuse to use outline stickers and vellum. I also used Thursday's Eat Sleep Stamp sketch because I thought it would really highlight the stained glass 'window'. Finally, Thursday's No Time To Stamp? challenge was called two's company and that is just fun.

The two papers are BasicGrey Wisteria. The bottom layer is textured with Sizzix Floral Expressions which the other layer is textured with Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots embossing folder. The focal image is a pansy Starform Outline Stickers affixed to vellum and coloured with Faber-Castell markers. The two ribbons are Sheer Creations from Michaels and Crafts from the dollar store. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Vintage Labels.

I really like this card. I think the background compliments the pansy window and really helps it stand out which is exactly what I wanted. I was thinking of one of my best friends, Cheri, when I saw these stickers. Pansies are her favourites and I expect she'll be down in my office to take a peek on Monday.

I hope you like this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Happy Birthday!

Hello everyone,

Today's card is based on the latest Pals Paper Arts sketch. I wanted to do a birthday card that wasn't too frilly nor too boyish and I think this fits the bill.

All the paper on this card is from Stampin' Up - Kraft, Basic Black, Whisper White and Urban Oasis. The background kraft layer is textured with Sizzix Large Dots. The image and sentiment is Stampin' Up Happy Moments. The brads are of unknown origin from the stash but most likely from the dollar store.

I really like this card. I find it fresh, sweet and simple. Exactly what I was looking to create.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

One Layer Christmas

Hello everyone,

It's Simplicity's One Layer Wednesday and today's challenge is to make a Christmas card. I know I should be thinking Christmas but I'm just not there yet!


The card base is from Recollections. The image is Denami Designs Christmas Holly Vine which was coloured with Sakura Gold Shadow Gelly Roll pens. The sentiment is Rubber Soul's Wordsworth Merry Christmas Script.
I love this card! Simplicity at it's finest. I have to say the Sakura pens are fabulous and will be perfect for colouring Christmas cards. I also have to mention the sentiment which is supremely forgiving as it doesn't have to be perfectly, 100% straight to still look great! The designer was brilliant!
I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.
Gisèle

Coppered Thinking

Hello everyone,

Today's card is inspired by the Techno Stamper's Monday Lunchtime Sketch. I've a number of things on my plate tonight so I purposefully kept the card very simple.

The background paper is Stampin' Up River Rock that was textured with Sizzix's Flourish Blooms plate. Martha Stewart's Rain Drop border punch was used on the edges of the background layer. The focal layer is a piece of copper that was smooched with Ranger Adirondack alcohol ink and textured with Cuttlebug's Floral Fantasy folder. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Warmest Regards.

I love this card. It is so elegantly simple. The copper and alcohol ink technique is really easy and has a ton of impact. The copper sheets and the Cuttlebug folders work together wonderfully.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Three Challenge Love

Hello everyone,

Today's card is the engagement card commissioned by my good friend Eleanor whose niece is going to be adding a third Dan to the family. We have Pauls in my family. I used last Tuesday's Inspirational Card Sketches (ICS) as a jumping off point. I was also inspired by Friday's Just Add Ink challenge to use embossing.

The background strip is Stampin' Up Bashful Blue embossed with Sizzix Ivy Flourishes. The patterned paper is BasicGrey Sugar Rush. The image is Stampin' Up Polka Dot Punches heat embossed with Cranberry embossing powder from Close To My Heart. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Itty Bitty Sparkles. The sentiment is American Crafts Wedding.

I didn't want to be make too serious an engagement card, that will be for the wedding. This BasicGrey paper is really fun and I think, perfect for this card. I love all the different colours with the Sugar Rush collection which like the fun design, are fun colours. Though this card is really different, I'm hoping Eleanor and her niece will love it!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sketched Wedding

Hello everyone,

My good friend Eleanor has commissioned a couple of cards. This is the wedding the card. I used today's Card Positioning Systems sketch as a starting point but this card also fits a couple of other challenges - Thursday's Stampin' B's challenge to use a sentiment as a focal point and the Terrifically Thrilling Thursday challenge to use lots of layers. Those are two types of challenges that I really enjoy.

The background paper is Close To My Heart Garden Green that was dry embossed with the Sizzix Damask texture plate. The patterned layer is My Mind's Eye Coastal "Curious" layered on Stampin' Up Soft Sky. The ribbon is from Offray. The sentiment, from Inkadinkado, is stamped is Soft Suede on a scrap of Whisper White. The embellishments are from the dollar store.

Eleanor asked for an elegant and slightly romantic card and I think this fits the bill nicely. I also know that this card suits Eleanor as the 'giver'. I think it is beautiful. I love this Mind's Eye paper which I found at Multicrafts garage sale a few weeks ago. It was a wonderful paper which inspired the remaining colour, texture and ribbon choices and I think that's why this card works so well.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Mojo's Back!

Hello everyone,

I have a card today! It's only one card mind you, I had too many other jobs today to indulge in more than one card. I used Friday's Clean & Simple Stamping sketch challenge as a starting point.

The paper is BasicGrey Wisteria. The image is Close To My Heart You Are Beautiful in Stampin' Up Eggplant Envy and Soft Suede on Whisper White paper. The sentiment is Gina K Tag, You're It. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Sparkles.

The paper is what makes this card. It's BasicGrey so what can I say. I think this is a great card. I can't wait to give it away and I know exactly who is getting it.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

No Mojo

Hi everyone,

I've no card for you today. It's been one long, hard haul today and I just don't have it in me. I will, most certainly have at least one if not a second for you tomorrow. Come back and SPI on me then.

Gisèle

You Are Beautiful

Hello everyone,

Today's card is a One Layer Wednesday watercolour challenge.

The card base if from Recollections. The image is Hero Arts Delicate Rose Stems coloured with Stampin' Up watercolour crayons and spritzed with water. The sentiment is Close To My Heart You Are Beautiful. The embellishments are Hero Arts pearls.

This is one of my favourite techniques. It is so easy and very effective because it really looks like a watercolour. I also can't say enough about the Hero Arts pearls. I could use them on almost every card I make.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Patterned Luck

Hello everyone,

Today's card was commissioned by a colleague who was looking for something natural to wish her boss (and mine) good luck as he moves on to another position. He has been a great boss so this truly was a labour of love. I used Saturday's Card Patterns sketch because it is the type of sketch I really enjoy.


The paper is all Stampin' Up Urban Oasis, Whisper White and Basic Grey. The sentiment is Waltzingmouse Say It With Style. The hemp is of unknown origin from the stash. The eyelets are Making Memories.

I really love the symmetry of this type of sketch. It was a lot of fun to use so many different sheet of the Urban Oasis paper on one card. The effect is exactly what I wanted for this card.

I hope you enjoy and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Out Of The Box, Into The Lagoon

Hello everyone,

Today's card is so out of my comfort zone that I'm still wondering if it is worth posting. It may be one of those cards that was nicer in my mind that in reality. Last Thursday, Simon Says Challenge offered up a really interesting photo for inspiration and while I loved the colours, I couldn't figure out a card that really jazzed me. Monday, however, the Cupcake Craft challenge was to use acetate and that got me thinking of possibilities. It didn't hurt that Monday's Practical Scrappers challenge was to use embossing, a favourite technique.

The inspirational photo.

The card base is from Recollections. The blue paper is BasicGrey Marrakesh, textured with Sizzix Retro Squares and highlighted with Vanilla Smooch Spritz. There is also scraps of acetate, vellum and a textured/flocked piece of white paper of unknown origin. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wonderful Words which were heat embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl. The embellishments are Peggy's Pretties.

I was trying to evoke a sense of the ice cubes, all rounded squares, shiny and cold. This really is rather abstract and certainly not something I'd normally try. It's not a bad card but in the final analysis, I'm really not sure about it and I'm not confident putting it in the sale pile.

I hope you 'enjoy' this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Another Baby Boy

Hello everyone,

As promised, today's card is baby boy card. Once again I used Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch and bright, bold, boy papers. It worked great!

The paper is all Stampin' Up - Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Brilliant Blue and Tall Tales designer series paper. The Old Olive and Chocolate Chip were textured with Sizzix large dots. The Brilliant Blue was crimped. The brad is of unknown origin from the stash but is likely either from Multicrafts or the dollar store. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Sweet Little Sentiments. The embellishments are Peggy's Pretties and Oregon Raindrops.

I think this is an awesome baby boy card. I couldn't resist the animal paper because it had so many great colours which makes it so easy to coordinate all the remaining paper.

It has been a lot of fun making these baby cards. Boy and girl, subtle and bright. It is pretty amazing how using the same sketch, you can still get really different cards.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Another Baby Girl

Hello everyone,

I had planned to craft two cards today but the World Cup kind of interrupted those plans. I'll have another baby boy card for tomorrow. My plan for this card was to use today's Sweet Sunday Sketch but to stay away from pale colour and go more vibrant. I'm also applying this card to today's Paper Sundaes challenge which was to use multiple layers.

The background paper is Generations Traditional Stackers textured with Sizzix Butterfly Dance. The middle layer is DCWV Textured Brights. The top layer is Pink Paislee Bullseye. Martha Stewart's Optic Drop border punch was used on the middle and top layers. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Lovely Labels mounted on a scrap of Very Vanilla. The ribbon is Sheer Creations from Michael's.

I love this baby girl card. It is not really traditional but still obviously girly. The ribbon was more spontaneous as I didn't have a ribbon that worked perfectly off the bat. That said, I like the rainbow and the colours do work with the dots.

I'll have another baby boy card tomorrow so I hope you come back to SPI again tomorrow.

Gisèle

It's A Girl!

Hello again everyone,

This is the baby girl card which I also crafted today. I wanted to do both a boy and a girl card using the same sketch, Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge, because I thought it would be really neat. I didn't feel I could do a really monochromatic girl card as it would be just a titch too Pepto Bismol so I decided to use Friday's Craftalicious Challenge which was to make a cute card.

The background paper is Heidi Grace Baby Buggies. The horizontal strip is DCWV Textured Brights which, like the baby boy card, was scored with a Scor-Pal. The ribbon is of unknown origin from my stash. The sentiment is Heidi Grace Baby. The brad is Multicrafts Keepsakes.

I love this card. It really is cute! I to write about this brad. I found it quite by accident when I stopped at Multicrafts today. I needed some adhesive and I know I can get a great deal at Multicrafts. The baby carriage actually moves and it is like a small piece of stained glass. It is totally cool. I picked up a couple of packages and can't wait to play with them. I also picked up the background paper because it goes with the one baby stamp set I have. It has a really neat sheen to it and the purple carriages are glossy.

I hope you also like this card and come back to SPI some more baby cards tomorrow.

Gisèle

It's A Boy!

Hello everyone,

Keeping to the baby theme I set for myself this weekend, I put together two cards today. I couldn't resist today's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge so I made a boy card and a girl card (next post). I also was inspired by today's One Stop Craft Challenge to make a monochromatic card for this baby boy card.

The background paper is DCWV Die Cuts With A View Baby Boy. The white strip is Quickutz Quickstripz Manhatten which was scored with a ScorPal. The ribbon is Dashes, Dots and Checks from Michael's. The focal layers are Stampin' Up Bordering Blue and Whisper White. The image is Heidi Grace Baby. The embellishments are Denim Oregon Raindrops.

I just love this card. It is so perfect for a baby boy without being too cutesy.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI the baby girl card.

Gisèle

Clean & Simple Baby

Hello everyone,

My plan last weekend was to build up my stash of baby cards as I've not a one. What I ended up doing instead, was make a handful of wedding cards. I'm sticking to my plan this weekend and have started off with today's Clean & Simple Stamping sketch.

The background paper is DCWV Textured Pastels. The polka dotted strip is DCWV Nanna's Kids. The remaining paper is Stampin' Up - Very Vanilla, Certainly Celery and Apricot Appeal. The images are Heidi Grace Baby. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Short & Sweet.

I think this is a great gender-neutral baby card. I like the offset images and the colours work so well together. I'm hoping all my baby cards this weekend come together so well.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Anytime, Everyday

Hello everyone,

I've got a really quick post for you today as I'm heading out to a Stampin' Up Open House to check out everything that is new. I actually used three challenges for this card. Shirley's 2 Girls (S2G) Challenges provided a great sketch, the Stampin' B's Challenge was polka dots, and today's Terrifically Thrilling Thursday was looking for an anytime, everyday card.

The background paper is Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip textured with Sizzix Small Dots. The remaining paper is BasicGrey Bittersweet. The pink rectangle was textured with the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder. The dark strips and pink focal elements were Vanilla Smooch Spritzed. The sentiment is Gina K Tag Lines.

I must apologize first up for the photo. I just couldn't get a good one. I'm otherwise thrilled with this card. I love this BasicGrey paper and the sketch just lent itself to use a numbering of different sheets from the same pad. I have to say, I'm really pleased with the Smooch Spritz as it adds just that extra little bit of sheen that really makes a card exceptional. I think this would be a great card to give some, just because.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

You Totally Rock!

Hello everyone,

My mojo is really lagging today. I think it must be the heat. Today's card is based on the Techno Stamper's Monday Lunchtime Sketch which was just too appealing to resist.

The card base is from Recollections. The background paper is Stampin' Up Pretty In Pink, the bottom of which was scalloped with the Martha Stewart Layered Arches border punch. The remaining paper is BasicGrey Eva. The sentiment is Gina K Tag Lines.

I really like this card. This is the type of sketch that I really enjoy. I think part of the appeal was that it seemed made for the BasicGrey papers that I so love. I had in mind a teenage girl when I made this card. I think it works rather well.

Please enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Just Add Ink Birthday

Hello everyone,


A really quick post today as I've a long 'to do' list. I used Friday's Just Add Ink sketch as inspiration for this card but I think I could have placed the embossed image a little better. That's what happens when you don't take your time.



The background paper is Stampin' Up Bravo Burgundy layered with two different sheets of BasicGrey Eva. The image is Cuttlebug's Everyday Greetings. The sentiment is Hero Arts Thoughtful Messages. The embellishments are Strawberry Oregon Raindrops.


I like this card. The colours are very different but the BasicGrey papers make it work. I think I should have positioned the image more to the bottom left corner as per the sketch but the general gist is still there.


I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.


Gisèle

Four Challenge Birthday

Hello everyone,

Today's card fulfills four challenges. Mojo Monday provided the sketch. Little Paper Shop provided the colours. The Pink Elephant provided a recipe, three layers, two die cuts and ribbon. The Shabby Tea Room asked for embossing. While I don't usually undertake this many challenges on one card, they all fit together so well that I couldn't help myself.

The patterned paper is Stampin' Up Cottage Wall. The remaining paper is Stampin' Up Rich Razzleberry and Whisper White. The Rich Razzleberry is embossed with Sizzix Butterfly Dance. The large butterfly, a Sizzix Bigz Beautiful Butterflies die cut, is textured with Sizzix Ivy Flourishes. The small butterfly is cut with a Sizzix Embosslits Beautiful Wings and Vanilla Smooch Spritzed. The ribbon is Stampin' Up Rich Razzleberry 1/2" polka dot grosgrain. The embellishments are Kiwi Oregon Raindrops. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Vintage Labels.

I love this card. This colour combination is one of my favourites. I actually bought three packages of Cottage Wall paper and will be devastated when it is all used. I found today's Mojo sketch rather interesting and I like how it enabled me to showcase different pieces of the Cottage Wall paper.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

A Sweet Occasion

Hello everyone,

After a better part of the day spent removing wallpaper, I wanted something lovely and sweet for today's card so I turned to Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch as inspiration.

The background paper is Stampin' Up Bashful Blue textured with Sizzix Flourish. The focal layer is BasicGrey Wisteria. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Short and Sweet. The ribbon is Michael's Sheer Creations.

This was a wonderful card to craft. I love the results. It is a very soft and romantic card. I didn't know if it was a birthday card or a wedding card or an anniversary card. Best Wishes works for so many things.

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Wedding Blitz

Hello everyone,

I had planned to make baby cards this weekend because I've none in my stash but instead, it looks like it's all about weddings. My mom has requested a wedding card and was actually very specific so it was rather fun to rise to the challenge. I've use today's i{heart}2stamp Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT) as a starting point. Mom wanted a blue bird and the bride and groom initials incorporated in the design.


The background paper is DCWV Floral Prints. The verital strips are Stampin' Up Shimmery White textured with Sizzix Pattern 1 and Vanilla Smooch Spritzed. The blue elements are all glossy paper to which Ranger Adirondack alcohol ink was applied. The initials are Provo Craft Olivia font. The bird and leaves are Sizzix dies and are applied to a scrap of acetate which has been textured with the Victoria Cuttlebug folder.
This is a very pretty card. I love all the blues and white as well as the sparkle. The acetate was a bit of an experiment. My girlfriend Michelle had seen it at a Close To My Heart class and I thought it was a great idea. It may have been just one too many a technique for a single card but it does make for some great texture.
I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.
Gisèle

Wedding Flight

Hello everyone,

Today's card, based on the latest Clean & Simple Stamping sketch challenge, is kind of a shower card. It is one of those card that I thought up while in the shower. I've thought up cards this way before, sometimes I make them, sometimes I don't, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. I think this one really works.

The card base is from Recollections. The birds are American Craft Townhouse Chipboard covered with BasicGrey Lily Kate paper then DecoArt Glamour Dusted. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Wonderful Words II embossed with Close To My Heart Silver Pearl. The embellishments are Close To My Heart Bitty Sparkles.

I love this card! I think it is a perfect wedding or anniversary card. I love all the BasicGrey paper and I've been wondering (in the shower) what it would look like if I applied some Glamour Dust. I wasn't particularly thrilled with the colour of the chipboard birds so this was the perfect chance to see what BasicGrey would look like with Glamour Dust. Pretty awesome if I do say so myself. How wonderful are these birds!? How much more perfect could this sketch have been to showcase these birds. I can't wait to try Glamour Dusting other piece of BasicGrey paper. Watch for it!

I hope you enjoy this card and come back to SPI again soon.

Gisèle

Sketched Birthday II

Hello everyone,

Happy Canada Day! Just a quick post before we head out to a BBQ and fireworks.

I used Monday's Little Paper Shop sketch as inspiration for this card.

The background paper is Recollections layered with BasicGrey Porcelain which has been highlighted with Platinum Stickles. The ribbon is Michael's Special Value. The image is BasicGrey Filigree. The sentiment is Stampin' Up Warmest Regards stamped in Mellow Moss on a scrap of Whisper White.

I found this sketch exceptionally appealing. It's not often you're challenged to stamp directly on patterned paper and I thought that was rather neat. I'd like to acknowlege the sketch designer, Allison Fillo. Not only is she affiliated with the Little Paper Shop but she also has a fantastic blog, Stampin' When I Can and co-runs the Everything Old Is New Again challenges on Fridays. Check her out!

I really like this card. It is quite muted with the earthy and somewhat subtle colours. As most already know, I've fallen hard for BasicGrey paper. I particularly love paper which lends itself to Stickles highlighting and this sheet could be any more suitable. The Stickles add just that wee bit extra.

I hope everyone enjoys this card and comes back to SPI again soon!

Gisèle